Lawyer Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated

Lawyers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $125,000 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $92,500 and $160,000. That sits 32% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $95,000. Figures are based on 31 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 46th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↑ +3 listings vs last month
💰 Lawyer · Melbourne
ADVERTISED RANGE
$92,500 – $160,000
Median: $125,000
May $108k
Jun $125k
↑ Trending up

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level $87,250 – $150,289
Senior level $115,900 – $179,581
Overall $92k–$160k Mid $87k–$150k Senior $115k–$179k $84k $104k $124k $144k $164k $184k
Moderate confidence 31 listings (+3 vs last month) · 05/07/2026

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation.

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Bottom 10%  $92,500 Median  $125,000 $160,000  Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

The median leapt nearly $17k month on month, from $108k to $125k, on rising demand (28 listings to 31), a clear upward move for Melbourne lawyers. Sydney still pays more at $150k, the usual big-firm premium, while Brisbane matches Melbourne at $125k. The role splits cleanly by experience: mid-level at $120k, senior at $128.6k, a narrower gap than most legal markets show. The rising median is the signal worth noting.

Take Home Pay (based on median $125,000)

Weekly (net)
~$1,754
Monthly (net)
~$7,599
Annual (net)
~$91,183
Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $139,375

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Lawyer in Melbourne?
A junior solicitor in Melbourne sits in the mid-level band from around $87k, with the median near $120k once a few years in. What pushes an early lawyer toward the top is the practice area and firm tier: corporate, M&A and commercial litigation at larger firms pay well above general practice, and a clear specialisation plus billable performance is the lever. Admission and the firm's tier set the starting rate.
Is $125,000 a good salary in Melbourne?
Yes. At $125k the median is 32% above Melbourne's $95k all-roles median and nets roughly $91k after tax, strong professional pay. The one caveat is Sydney's $150k median, which reflects the concentration of top-tier commercial firms there, so a corporate lawyer chasing the ceiling may find it up the highway. Within Melbourne, this is comfortably above-market for the qualification.
How much does a Senior Lawyer make in Melbourne?
Senior lawyers in Melbourne reach a median of $128.6k, with the top of the senior band near $180k. The step from mid to senior is about practice area and responsibility: owning complex matters, building a client following, and moving toward Special Counsel or partnership track. A defined specialisation in a high-value area (corporate, funds, disputes) is what lifts pay toward the top of the senior band.

Other roles in Melbourne

Lawyer salaries in other cities

City Median salary vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page) $125,000 —
Sydney $150,000 +20%
Brisbane $125,000 ~same

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Data sourced from publicly listed job advertisements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Seek or any third-party platforms. Salary ranges represent advertised figures and may differ from actual compensation. Updated monthly.